Lakeside Pavilion Free Concerts Continue with a Ready-Made Zydeco Party & a Retro Musical Trip to the 80s

Week 2 of the MAC's Lakeside Pavilion Summer 2026 Free Outdoor Summer Series features a WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert: CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band (Wednesday, July 15) and a retro performance by Electric Avenue - The 80's MTV Experience (Thursday, July 16).

C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band are a ready-made zydeco party, bringing audiences to their feet with irresistibly danceable music. Son of the late “King of Zydeco” Clifton Chenier, Creole-born C.J. Chenier has been Zydeco’s leading light himself for nearly 40 years now. His discography includes three highly regarded albums for Chicago’s venerable blues label, Alligator Records. With his brilliant, bluesy accordion style and soulful vocals, C.J. Chenier is an audience favorite on the worldwide festival circuit, with frequent appearances at major events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

With their personal stash of vintage synthesizers and rare signal processors, Electric Avenue provides musical journey spanning both sides of 1985, recreating every nuance and flavor of the greatest New Wave and Radio Pop hits of the 80s. These musicians have been session players with artists including Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Zac Brown Band, Tracy Chapman, Collective Soul, Sister Hazel, Boyz II Men, and more.

Both performances take place at the MAC's Lakeside Pavilion, located on the campus of College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Ill. The Lakeside Pavilion opens 90 minutes before each performance. Concessions will be available. In case of inclement weather, events will move indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall.

To enhance the Lakeside food vendors and a bar will be available. No outside alcohol is permitted. Picnicking is welcome in a designated area, while the central lawn will be reserved for seating to maximize capacity. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to benefit the Glen House Food Pantry and COD Student Fuel Pantry.

In addition to the Lakeside Pavilion Series events, attendees can also take in the free outdoor exhibition “Walking With Giants” honoring America’s artistic legacy with 10-foot-tall sculptures of 10 of America’s favorite visual, music, theater and dance artists. To learn more about these or any MAC events visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000.